Indian Railways has sanctioned a major infrastructure modernization project worth ₹432 crore for the replacement of relay-based interlocking systems with state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI) technology. The project will be implemented at 27 stations and cabins (including 1 Integrated Block Station location) in the Asansol Division of Eastern Railway, specifically targeting High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN) routes.
The scope includes replacing 28 existing relay-based interlocking installations (27 Panel Interlocking/Route Relay Interlocking and 1 Integrated Block Station) with modern computer-based Electronic Interlocking systems. This technological upgrade is designed to significantly enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of train operations across these critical routes.
The project forms an integral part of Indian Railways' ongoing program to implement advanced signalling systems on HDN/HUN routes, where technologies such as Kavach (automatic train protection system), Automatic Block Signalling (ABS), and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) are being deployed. Electronic Interlocking represents a substantial improvement over aging relay-based systems, offering higher reliability, faster fault diagnosis capabilities, easier maintenance procedures, and enhanced operational flexibility.
This infrastructure investment will further strengthen railway safety standards while supporting increased line capacity and more efficient train operations on one of the busiest sections of the Indian railway network. The modernization aligns with the broader strategic objective of upgrading critical transportation infrastructure to handle growing traffic demands while maintaining the highest safety standards.